FROM INTIMATE GATHERINGS TO LARGE FESTIVALS
Music is an integral part of Scottish culture, with origins tracing back thousands of years. The Scottish music scene is world-renowned, blending tradition with the latest technologies to create truly extraordinary sounds.
The West Highlands has cemented itself as a destination for music lovers and boasts homegrown talent including Capercaillie, Skerryvore, Tidelines, Skipinnish and Trail West.
It’s such an important part of our culture that we celebrate with a plethora of Scottish music festivals, from small intimate gatherings to large events. Whatever your taste, you can be sure to find something for the entire family to enjoy at festivals across the West Highlands.
MULL MUSIC FESTIVAL
20th – 23rd April 2023
Relish in a weekend of Scottish music at the Mull Music Festival in the picturesque town of Tobermory. Discover everything from folk-rock to fiddle, accordion, dance and ceilidh bands at intimate hotel and bar venues across the town. Headliners include The Laurettes, Rhuvaal, Atlantic Reel and more.
Events are free, visit the Mull Music Festival Facebook Page for more information.
CARRADALE MUSIC FESTIVAL
28th – 29th April 2023
The scenic village of Carradale will once again welcome families back for its annual music festival this Spring. Enjoy music from Calum Beattie, Trail West, Beinn Lee and more spread across two stages over the weekend. The event is currently sold out.
One to consider next year! Keep an eye on the Carradle Music Festival Facebook Page.
HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL
28th – 30th April 2023
First introduced in 1984, the Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Festival was started to encourage young professionals to take part in the traditional music and dance of the highlands and islands of Scotland. Piping, accordion, fiddle, piano, singing and highland dancing will all be showcased at various venues across Oban.
Take a look at the Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Festival Facebook Page for more information:
FEIS ILE
26th May – 3rd June 2023
Savour traditional music in a stunning location (with whisky tasting too!) at Feis Ile, The Islay Festival. Experience 9 days of music, song, dancing, culture and more at a traditional Scottish festival which first took place in 1986.
Visit the Feis Ile website to get your tickets now.
THE OBAN LOCAL MOD
2nd – 3rd June 2023
Since its inception in 1981, The Royal National Mòd has secured its position as Scotland’s main Gaelic cultural destination, with the aim of preserving the Gaelic language. The Local Oban branch for An Comunn Gàidhealach is holding its usual event this year on the 2nd and 3rd June.
Find out more about the COMUNN GÀIDHEALACH AN ÒBAIN
FYNEFEST
2nd – 4th June 2023
Hosted at the Fyne Ales Brewery in Glen Fyne, bask in the award-winning Fynefest this Summer. Celebrating its 13th year, take the whole family along to enjoy good music, food and beer. Three stages will host a range of talent including Bombskare, Pictish Trail, Tom McGuire, and The Brassholes. But it is so much more than just a music festival with yoga, tours, bingo and a charity run for the whole family to enjoy!
Get your tickets from the Fynefest website.
KINTYRE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
9th – 11th June 2023
Delight in an intimate festival which is committed to celebrating local talent at the Kintyre Songwriters Festival in Campbeltown. The 14th annual festival line-up is yet to be released, and they are currently calling on all local musicians, singer-songwriters, bands and groups of any genre to sign up!
Keep an eye on the Kintyre Songwriters Festival website for ticket information.
TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL (TMF)
7th – 9th July 2023
Indulge in an award-winning festival in a dreamy location this Summer at the Tiree Music Festival. Referred to as the “Hawaii of the North”, visitors can unwind with 3 days of family-friendly fun in a magical setting. Small and intimate, TMF is the brainchild of Tiree local and Skerryvore Co-founder Daniel Gillespie.
Tickets can be purchased from the Eventbrite website.
BUTEFEST
28th – 30th July 2023
Visit the Isle of Bute for a charming, family-friendly weekend brimming with live music, food, beer and entertainment. The line-up includes the impressive Big Country, Skerryvore, The Lafontaines and more.
Visit the ButeFest website for more information.
MULL OF KINTYRE MUSIC FESTIVAL
9th – 13th August 2023
The Mull of Kintyre Music Festival is celebrating its 30th year with an extensive line up of live music artists over 5 days in a stunning setting. Headliners include Skipinnish, Kathleen MacInnes & Mike Vass and lots more!
Visit the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival website to find out more.
TARBERT MUSIC FESTIVAL
15th – 17th September 2023
Enjoy live music at one of the longest-running festivals in Argyll this September at the Tarbert Music Festival. This relaxed festival is great for the whole family to enjoy.
Visit the Tarbert Festival website for more information.
LOCH MELFORT HOTEL MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
As well as local gigs and festivals, we celebrate music in our own way by inviting local musicians and vocalists to Loch Melfort Hotel on the first and third Friday of each month. Our music nights start at 9.30pm in our Shuna Room (previously the Bistro). Enjoy drinks at the bar, and why not book a table for dinner in the restaurant beforehand?
In recent weeks we have been delighted to partner up with The Netherlorn Music Scheme to host additional concerts which highlight the best of local professional musicians. Keep an eye on the Loch Melfort Facebook Page for upcoming events!